The Law of Conservation of Smiles

"It looks like there's no need to go to Xiamen."

Zhang Yang made his decision in his heart immediately.

If he set off now, he could certainly catch the opportunity at the Tong'an Film and Television City in Xiamen, but he wouldn't be able to make it back by plane in time to catch the opportunity within the drama.

He was already in the Magic City; there was no need to look far when he could find what he needed close by.

Moreover, he guessed that the opportunity at the film city was related to one of the main creators of the drama Palace Lock Pearl Curtain, and it had to be a creator with significant fame and status in the future, such as Da Mimi or Yu Zhen.

After all, this was an opportunity recognized by his "cheat," and if it were just to gain the favor of a minor character, it would be a bit beneath his standards.

Just like this morning, he had gained the favor of Liu Shishi, which indirectly facilitated him landing the role of the second male lead in Xuan Yuan Sword: Scar of Heaven.

If he had tried to do it on his own, he might have had to exhaust a favor from Old Hu, and even then, success wouldn't have been guaranteed.

"Shanghai Theatre Academy is one of the top three art schools in China. Countless top talents in every field of the entertainment industry have walked out of here. Just thinking about the opportunities I can get in this environment makes me look forward to it."

Thinking of this, Zhang Yang glanced at the time, a strange look flashing in his eyes.

Nearly two hours later, in a small private room at XX Local Cuisine Restaurant.

Zhang Yang sat by the window with a calm expression, watching his three "brothers" take their seats.

"I'm treating tonight. Fuzi, you sit next to me; I want to toast you a few more times later," Zhang Yang said.

Zhang Mouhan had originally wanted to ask Zhang Yang if he had encountered some good news to suddenly invite them to dinner.

But as soon as he heard what Zhang Yang said, he immediately fell silent, guessing that the former was also trying to curry favor with Jiang Jinfu.

He said "also" because he had been the one to pay for the late-night snack last night, and Zhang Bohan had also treated Jiang Jinfu and him to a meal at a pricey hotel earlier that afternoon, selectively forgetting to invite Zhang Yang.

He hadn't expected Zhang Yang to pull the same stunt tonight, which actually made them feel much more balanced, even a bit gleeful.

"Since Brother Yang has spoken, I will certainly keep you company," Jiang Jinfu also assumed that Zhang Yang was bowing his head, a faint smile appearing on the corner of his mouth as he said, "However, Brother, there is one thing I must tell you in advance."

"What is it?" Zhang Yang poured himself some tea and then placed the teapot in front of Zhang Mouhan.

"My words carry little weight, and I wasn't able to convince Sister K. The role of the third male lead has already been confirmed for Senior Student Lin Gengxin," Jiang Jinfu said with a sigh.

"It doesn't matter," Zhang Yang said immediately.

"But don't worry, Brother Yang," Jiang Jinfu said earnestly. "I am confident I can secure the role of the fourth male lead for you."

This time, Jiang Jinfu was being sincere.

The drama Xuan Yuan Sword: Scar of Heaven was quite similar to Chinese Paladin 3. Although there were definitive first male and female leads, the second and third male and female leads also had their own storylines.

Tangren's production expectation for Xuan Yuan Sword was for it to be the next Chinese Paladin 3, where all three pairs of leads could reap significant benefits.

As for the fourth male lead, much like Maomao and Yunting in Chinese Paladin 3, it was a purely supporting role that was difficult to make shine.

Jiang Jinfu didn't actually want to help Zhang Yang; he just wanted Zhang Yang to be on the same set, watching him and envying him.

It was just like the past two years at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, where they had both been watching Zhang Yang show off.

"No need for all that trouble." Zhang Yang flashed a kind smile and said, "I don't need this fourth male lead role, and you don't need to do anything for me."

"Brother Yang, this is a great opportunity, don't be too proud to take it," Zhang Mouhan chimed in at this moment. "If it were me, I'd be willing to play the fifth or sixth male lead. This is a xianxia drama produced by Tangren, after all."

"It's not about pride," Zhang Yang said, shaking his head with a smile. "I just have a better option."

"You landed a role yourself?" The smile on Jiang Jinfu's face began to fade instantly.

Zhang Yang smiled brilliantly and said, "Fuzi, I actually have to thank you. I went back to the company today and told Sister K that I wanted to act. Sister Shishi put in a good word for me, and Old Hu, looking out for his brother, gave up the second male lead role for me. The contract is already signed."

"The two of us brothers are both Earth Emperors now. This really is a case of brothers fighting tigers together."

"I still have to thank you, though. If you hadn't notified me last night, I wouldn't have rushed to the company today, and even if Old Hu wanted to give it up, it would have been too late."

"So, I really have to treat you to a drink."

"Congratulations, Brother Yang." Jiang Jinfu's smile was forced.

If he could, he would go back to yesterday and beat his past self up.

If he had waited just one day to show off, there was no way Zhang Yang would have gotten the chance to play the second male lead.

Regret—he was, damn it, so incredibly regretful.

In comparison, the mentalities of Zhang Mouhan and Zhang Bohan shifted rapidly.

Although Zhang Yang was playing the second male lead, which was inferior to Jiang Jinfu's lead role, didn't they just hear that Liu Shishi had helped him and Hu Ge had voluntarily stepped aside?

It was clear that while Zhang Yang's role in this drama wasn't as prominent as Jiang Jinfu's, his connections were rock solid—far beyond what Jiang Jinfu could compare to.

Furthermore, Zhang Yang was well-liked by many teachers and leaders at school, which was also an invaluable connection.

Unless Jiang Jinfu became a massive star, he had no way to compete with Zhang Yang.

"Brother Yang, congratulations, congratulations."

"Brother Yang, you're a big shot now! Don't forget us when you're rich and famous."

Zhang Bohan and Zhang Mouhan immediately reverted to their usual way of interacting with Zhang Yang, perhaps even adding a bit more flattery.

Zhang Yang feigned a lack of social awareness, acting as if he didn't notice anything and soaking up all their sycophancy.

Zhang Yang ate his fill at this meal, feeling completely satisfied. Zhang Bohan even scrambled to pay the bill, claiming that since Zhang Yang had missed out on the lunch treat, this meal would make up for it.

Only Jiang Jinfu forced a smile throughout the meal, finding the food as tasteless as chewing wax.

Eventually, all the emotions in his heart transformed into a desire for battle.

When Xuanyuan Sword began filming, he would definitely play the male lead well and leave Zhang Yang as nothing more than a background prop!

After leaving the restaurant, Zhang Yang used the excuse of studying the script to avoid returning to the dormitory with the other three, heading back to the apartment provided by the company instead.

With a beauty like Gulnazar as a neighbor, how dense would he have to be to go back to the dorm and play mind games with three rough men?

However, he didn't see Nazha that night, nor did he find any reason to visit her across the hall. Although Nazha was the type of woman who was easy to deceive and prone to being love-struck, he didn't want to make his intentions too obvious.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, Zhang Yang woke up very early. After his morning workout, he showered, ate breakfast, and returned to school to finalize his application for leave to film.

Given his usual grades and performance, his familiarity with his instructors, and the fact that Cai Yinong had already put in a good word for him, the application was approved in less than half a day.

After finishing lunch, Zhang Yang glanced at the Entertainment Industry Opportunity Manual.

[Time: March 11, 2011, 12:13 PM

Location: Yangxin Hall, Xiamen Tong'an Film and Television City

Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 11, 2011, 3:33 PM

Location: Entrance of Room X, Teaching Building X, Magic City Drama Academy

Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 11, 2011, 9:53 PM

Location: Entrance of Peninsula XX TV Station

Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

[Time: March 12, 2011, 10:09 AM

Location: Hong Kong.

Guide: (Locked/1 Character Point)]

Zhang Yang focused his mind and unlocked the second opportunity on the list.

"Bringing a book?"